Problems relating to the assessment of skills and recognition of qualifications apply to both refugees and migrants, although refugees are confronted with even more obstacles. Migrants can prepare for the recognition process in the country they choose to live and work. Refugees often leave in a hurry without knowledge of their final destination. They are not always able to bring all their diplomas and certificates with them and/or cannot access the institutions in their host countries that issued their documents. Refugees are more often confronted with these problems because, compared to other immigrants, a larger proportion tend to have higher educational and professional backgrounds.
Experience in countries such as Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK shows that when migrants’ and refugees’ qualifications are recognized and/or if they have the opportunity to update their skills and knowledge by undertaking additional training or education, they are more likely to find suitable and long-term employment matching their skills and qualifications.
Website: European Website on Integration | European Website on Integration
The "Rough Guide to Ukrainian Qualifications in the Context of the Irish National Framework of Qualifications" is an information supplement prepared by NARIC Ireland. It aims to assist Irish employers and education providers in recognizing Ukrainian qualifications by providing background information on Ukraine's education and training system and offering detailed insights into individual qualifications. This guide complements NARIC Ireland's free, online searchable foreign qualifications database, which provides advisory comparability statements for individual qualifications. These statements compare an academic qualification to an Irish qualification of a similar major award type and level on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) wherever possible. Recognition decisions regarding a qualification are made by employers, education and training providers, and competent authorities, not by NARIC Ireland.
Website: www.qqi.ie
Migration continues to grow in Ireland. 2024 was the third year with over 100,000 people coming in and Census 2022 reports that 420,465 people in the work force were non-Irish nationals. In terms of socio-economic groupings, nearly half were classified in non-manual, manual skilled, semi-skilled, or unskilled occupations, compared with 39 per cent of Irish nationals. This is a variance with noting the high educational qualifications of immigrants, indicating that many are employed below their skill level. There is a need to accelerate the appropriate recognition of qualifications gained in other countries so that migrants can work in their fields of expertise. This is coupled with the need to provide both decent work and infrastructure to support increasing numbers of immigrants who will need to be housed and whose healthcare and childcare needs must be accommodated.
Website: https://www.socialjustice.ie/
The Cedefop report examines the significance of vocational training and skills development in ensuring successful labour market integration for migrants. It outlines strategies for providing adult migrants with targeted upskilling opportunities to bridge gaps in employment.
Key recommendations include:
By improving access to lifelong learning, this report argues that migrants can better integrate into European economies, reducing skills mismatches and unemployment.
Website: https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/
In recent years, the number of Ukrainian workers in Poland's construction sector has significantly increased, reflecting the growing demand for labor in the industry. Ukrainian workers are now the largest foreign workforce group in Poland, contributing to over 450,000 jobs in construction in 2022 alone. Their skills, particularly in interior finishing, play a crucial role in the successful completion of many projects. However, employing Ukrainian workers presents challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles, language barriers, and the need for legal documentation. Despite these challenges, the motivation for many Ukrainians to work in Poland is the opportunity for higher wages and better living conditions compared to Ukraine. Polish employers must adapt by working with employment agencies to navigate these obstacles and ensure smoother recruitment. Ukrainian workers also show great flexibility and integration abilities, quickly learning the Polish language and assimilating into local communities. Their presence significantly impacts development projects, making them vital to the success and profitability of real estate investments in Poland. The integration of Ukrainian workers in the workplace can be facilitated by offering support in accommodation and language courses. Good communication and teamwork between employers and Ukrainian workers contribute to a positive working environment, fostering better cooperation. While some employers are concerned about the bureaucratic complexities of hiring migrants, these challenges are becoming more manageable as hiring migrant workers becomes increasingly standard in Poland. Looking ahead, Ukrainian workers will continue to play a key role in the development of Poland's construction sector, helping to address labor shortages and contribute to the industry's growth.
The Polish construction market is developing dynamically, and Ukrainian workers play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for labor. In the face of worker shortages, their presence is not only necessary but also beneficial for the entire construction sector. Ukrainians are primarily employed in interior finishing and other construction work, significantly contributing to the completion of various projects that might otherwise be delayed. Their motivation to work in Poland stems from higher wages, better living conditions, and greater job stability compared to Ukraine. However, their employment involves several challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles, language barriers, and difficulties in adapting to new living conditions. Despite these obstacles, Ukrainian workers are highly valued for their flexibility, commitment, and willingness to work, which makes them attractive to Polish employers.
The formal employment of foreign workers in Poland requires specific permits, and in 2022 alone, over 1.8 million work declarations were issued for foreigners, illustrating the growing demand for their labor. However, legal complexities and documentation requirements can be discouraging for both employers and employees. To facilitate the integration of Ukrainian workers, employment agencies play a crucial role in assisting with formalities and providing necessary support. Good relations between Polish employers and Ukrainian workers are essential for improving workplace efficiency and fostering trust. Proper treatment, fair wages, and integration efforts contribute to a more stable and productive workforce. Looking ahead, the employment of Ukrainian workers in Poland is expected to remain significant, with nearly 49% of Polish companies already employing them in 2023. The political situation in Ukraine will continue to influence migration trends, but for now, Ukrainian workers remain a key pillar of the Polish construction industry.